2. zWhat happens to a bare patch of rocky ground over
time?
Does it remain lifeless; does it change over time?
3. zOver time we will see plants or plant like species
growing.
4. zPioneer Species: the first species to occupy a
barren or lifeless piece of land
These species are adapted to harsh conditions and are able
to live on bare rock, earth, or even ground that was scorched
by forest fires
5. zPioneer Species: the first species (usually plants)
to occupy and establish itself in a barren or lifeless
piece of land
These pioneer species help break down the rocks and help
pave the way for new species to enter the ecosystem.
As time goes on the pioneer
species will be replaced by
new species. These will
eventually be replaced also.
This pattern of replacement
and change is called
Succession
6. zSuccession: The process by which an ecosystem
undergoes predictable changes following
disturbance or initial colonization of new habitat
Two important types of succession:
1. Primary Succession
2. Secondary Succession
7. zPrimary Succession: Occurs in an area where no
life exists due to an absence of soil.
i.e. barren tundra, young volcanic islands, rocks left
behind from glaciers
8. z
Secondary Succession: Occurs when a community
has been disturbed or destroyed by man or natural
causes.
i.e. After a forest fire, huge hail storm, draught
12. z
Climax Community: The final or stable community in
succession. This stage can continue indefinitely
until a disturbance.
13. z
The human population continues to grow on Earth.
To survive we have to meet our basic needs. We
have also become used to having certain luxuries.
Meeting our "needs" means using the environment
for food, space, and energy production. Each human
"need" has an impact on ecosystems and the living
things that populate them - including ourselves.
